Share and Follow
NEW YORK – The National Symphony Orchestra’s executive director is set to transition to a new role as the head of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. This move marks another significant change at the Kennedy Center, which has experienced notable shifts since President Donald Trump began exerting influence over the iconic Washington venue.
On Friday, the Wallis Annenberg Center officially announced Jean Davidson as their new executive director and CEO. Davidson previously joined the Kennedy Center in 2023 and had an eight-year tenure as the executive director and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center.
In a statement reflecting her new appointment, Davidson shared, “The arts are a reflection of the community and a canvas for envisioning future possibilities. I am truly honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this crucial juncture.”
Richard Grenell, President of the Kennedy Center, praised Davidson in a statement to The Associated Press, acknowledging her significant contributions and dedication.
“Collaborating with Jean to attract new donors and patrons while addressing financial challenges has been a rewarding experience,” Grenell remarked.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Davidson said: “It has been a great honor to serve the NSO and to work alongside Gianandrea Noseda, Steven Reineke, the extraordinary musicians, and the dedicated staff and board. I’m deeply proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
Davidson told the Los Angeles Times that she had found it “more and more difficult” to remain at the Kennedy Center, “given the external forces that are at work that are just so far beyond my control.”
After mostly ignoring the center during his first term, Trump has made it a focal point in his war against so-called “woke” culture.” He ousted the Kennedy Center’s previous leadership and replaced it with a hand-picked board of trustees who voted to rename the facility the Trump Kennedy Center, a change scholars and lawmakers say must be initiated by Congress.
Renée Fleming, Philip Glass and Bela Fleck are among numerous artists who have called off performances, and the Washington National Opera ended its decades-long residency. Last month, Trump said he would move to close the center this summer for construction he expects to last two years.
At the Wallis, Davidson succeeds Robert van Leer, who recently left to join the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as performing arts program director.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.